Docs Offer Free Health Care in Wetaskiwin

Most Wetaskiwin residents don’t even know it exists. And those who have heard the name ‘Wetaskiwin Primary Care Network (PCN)’ don’t understand what it is. But upon entering the PCN facility in the East Gate Mall at 5010c – 48 St (north of Terracotta) it becomes evident very quickly that this is an important healthcare service everyone should be aware of. The PCN, (a non-profit health organization) was created by local physicians to extend free health care services to the community. The PCN multi-disciplinary team consists of family physicians, nurses (chronic disease, prenatal, women's & teen health focus), a dietitian, patient care facilitator, therapist and foot care specialist. There are 45 PCN’s located throughout the province.

The Wetaskiwin ‘Network” links the services offered by the PCN main office, local physicians clinics, as well as the Wetaskiwin hospital. This keeps everyone up to date and informed on the status of the patients health. The formation of the Wetaskiwin PCN means your physician and other healthcare providers (such as your nurse & dietitian) are now working within the same network towards the same goal – your health. The PCN is comprised of 25 family physicians (located in the 4 participating clinics) & 23 PCN staff, of which 18 are healthcare professionals, who provide direct clinical services. Within the PCN, physicians & other health care providers communicate and consult with one another to help plan and guide future health plans and services for their patients. The services are available to the residents of the City of Wetaskiwin, County of Wetaskiwin and surrounding communities such as: Millet, Gwynne, Hobbema, Falun, Pigeon Lake and Buck Lake.

The Wetaskiwin PCN was created in 2010 and services became available to the community in 2011. The planning committee collaborated to determine which services will best serve patients and family members and identified the need was greatest in:

• Mental Health

• Chronic Disease Management

• Obstetrics, Women's Wellness & Teen Health

PCN has a focus on programs and services that best serve these needs.

Three new services added in Wetaskiwin

The Wetaskiwin PCN team recently announced they will be offering 3 new services:

1. Walk-In Counselling – single session appointment to help people through a difficult time (team approach) http://www.wetaskiwinpcn.ca/#!walk-in-counseling/c1jgb

2. Women’s Wellness – women will have access to a team of female health care providers http://www.wetaskiwinpcn.ca/#!womens-wellness/caub

3. Teen Health (young adults under the age of 25) http://www.wetaskiwinpcn.ca/#!teen-health/cefp

Team approach to new walk-in counselling service

Alycia Chung, M.Ed., Registered Provisional Psychologist describes the new Walk-in Counselling program as, “a partnership between the PCN and Alberta Health Services- Addictions and Mental Health. As counsellors from different organizations, we all have a unique set of skills and ideas that we bring to the program. By putting our heads together, we make sure that the client gets the best help possible.”

“Costly services and long wait times often discourage people from accessing services. We tried to eliminate those barriers by creating a free service where people can just walk in and get solutions and support in only an hour. If clients would like additional help, they are welcome to return as often as needed for brief therapy, or we can direct them to other community resources.”

“Some people are also hesitant to access counselling because they don’t think that their problems are big enough. Our Walk-In program can talk people through all issues, big or little. This may include relationship or work stress, grief and loss, difficulties parenting, and other situational stressors. Whatever the problem, we are here to help.”

The Walk-In Counselling program is available from 12-4:30 on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, excluding holidays. All ages are welcome, but parental consent for minors under 14 is required.

Services offered by the Wetaskiwin PCN provide patients who have health concerns with a convenient approach to getting answers to their questions or concerns. Patients can still make an appointment to see their physician just as they did before but PCN suggests that by offering supportive services, patients may actually find that they have better access to their family physician. They also claim that patients will find getting referred is faster and easier as the PCN can directly refer patients to the healthcare provider, program and/or specialist needed. Don’t have a family physician? PCN will connect people without a family physician to those who are accepting new patients.

Physicians & Clinics (28) in collaboration with

PCN specialists

Dr. Mohamad Badawi (OB/GYN)

Wetaskiwin Hospital & Care Center Rm 4509

Dr. Ellen Toth (Endocrinologist)

362 – 107 University Campus NW

Dr. Ernest York (Pulmonologist)

Wetaskiwin Lung Laboratory

Associate Clinic

Dr. Argals Dr. Kirwan

Dr. Bakshi Dr. Moola

Dr. Brand Dr. Schlenther

Dr. Haider Dr. Schwartz

Dr. Jeffery Dr. Surgenor

Dr. Johnson Dr. Van Den Berg

Community Clinic

Dr. B. Patel

Dr. K. Patel

Dr. Ansari

Tower Professional Clinic

Dr. Dippenaar

Dr. Erwee

Dr. Gagnon

Dr. Tam

Dr. Ward

Family Medical Clinic

Dr. De Wet

Dr. Hendriks

Dr. Stassen

Dr. van der Walt

Dr. Venter

The Wetaskiwin PCN will continue to reach more patients in the community by expanding relationships for care and collaboration. Some of the current partners of PCN:

Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health & Wellness

AHS Aboriginal Health Lead & Coordinators

AHS Gestational Diabetes Educator

AHS Mental Health & Addictions

Alberta Medical Association

Central Zone Primary Care Networks

Dr Ellen Toth

Dr Mohamad Badawi (OB/GYN)

Ermineskin Brighter Futures

Four Bands Health Unit

First Nations Inuit Health Board

Hobbema Transport

Maskwacis Heatlh Services

Maskwacis Public Health Nurses

Nutrition and Food Services

Public Health

Samson Healthy Families

Wetaskiwin Brighter Futures

Wetaskiwin Hospital & Care Center

And other various community and related health & wellness groups.

For more information visit the website at www.wetaskiwinpcn.ca or visit the Centre at 5010C – 48 St in Wetaskiwin or call 780-312-2500.